What to visit in Cosenza and in Calabria (Italy)
The New York Times (4 th January 2017) indicated the Calabria region as one of the 52 most beautiful places to visit in the world. The region is characterized by a short distance between the coast and the highlands and offers magnificent seaside landscapes as well as spectacular mountain and lake surroundings.
You can discover below all the hidden and localized beauties in Calabria, but it is strongly recommendedto take a look at the CALABRIA STRAORDINARIA website.
About Cosenza
Cosenza (ancient Bruzia) is among the biggest cities in Calabria. It is situated in a natural frame of hills in the Valley of the river Crati at the confluence of the river Busento, which divides the modern part of the city from the old part. The city of Bruzia, with its 2,500-year history, owns a very rich millennial cultural heritage. It is not only the history, the culture and the art that make this city attractive, but also the gastronomy, the traditions, the hospitality and the splendid scenery that will not let you forget this place. It is the ideal place to reach many interesting touristic places of the Calabria region. In less than one hour it is possible to drive from the Ionian to the Tyrrhenian Sea crossing the mountain areas of Sila and Pollino. Hence, it is a must-see destination for lovers of the nature. June is an ideal month to visit the city, given its typical Mediterranean climate.
There are a lot of places in Calabria that are famous for the summer tourism.
All that places are well-known for the beauty of the coast, the clear sea and the typical food.
Some of these sites are illustrated below.
- Tropea
The village of Tropea is surrounded by an incredibly beautiful sea. It is one of I Borghi più belli d’Italia (“The most beautiful villages of Italy”). On top of that, the village is very enjoyable and rich of historical places.Tropea is a seaside resort with sandy beaches, located on the Gulf of Saint Euphemia, part of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on Italy’s west coast and was named “Most beautiful village in Italy” for 2021. The Italian village of Tropea has been elected “Borgo dei Borghi 2021“, taking the title of Italy’s most beautiful village in 2021. Tropea, located in Calabria, fought off stiff competition from 20 other beautiful towns, but the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea” proved to be unbeatable with its history, charm and culture. Let’s check out why Tropea is so special and have a look at the final ranking of the 2021 edition of the most beautiful villages in Italy.In the area food is also excellent, particularly the typical hot sausage named ‘nduja and the sweet tartufo ice-cream.
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- Rivera dei cedri
It is the part of the Calabrian coast where the citrus scents – that constitute one the region’s pride in the world – are cultivated. There are small towns to visit: Diamante is a very nice village where to spend some days, as well as San Nicola Arcella. In Praia a Mare, with its spectacular Island of Dino – Arco Magno of San Nicola Arcella, you can dive in one of the most beautiful seas of Calabria.
We also suggest you to visit the Sanctuary of San Francesco di Paola, a place where it is possible to breath Cristian faith. San Francesco di Paola is the patron saint of Calabria, the object of a deep devotion that makes the Paola Shrine one of the most frequented pilgrimage destinations
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- Le Castella
The area of Isola di Capo Rizzuto has many archaeological sites. The area is a protected marine reserve. The castle at the town of Le Castella is spectacular, seemingly floating out on the see with water on all sides and only a small path connecting it to the mainland. Le Castella Castle, likely built in the 13th century for territorial defense, was part of a larger fortification system. Inside, remnants of Greek limestone blocks from the 6th century BC, arranged in a checkerboard pattern, and traces of Roman masonry are still visible. The current structure, dating back to the 15th century under Aragonese rule, consists of two defensive sections: one integrating pre-existing elements and another newly constructed on the shallow front to enhance protection. The fortress, with an irregular layout, incorporates a 14th-century Angevin tower featuring a stone spiral staircase. Between 1510 and 1526, Count Andrea Carafa added the quadrangular bastions. Capo Rizzuto is part of the “Saracen Coast,” linked to the history of the pirate Occhialì Pasha. Born in Le Castella, he was captured in 1536, converted to Islam, and became a feared Ottoman commander and governor of Algiers (1568), participating in the Battle of Lepanto.
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- Scilla
The village of Scilla is really worthwhile to visit. Scilla enchants visitors with its Castle overlooking the sea, the colorful houses leaning on each other, the views of the Strait of Messina and Sicily. History blends with mystery, recalling the myths and legends of Ulysses fighting against Scylla and Charybdis. Another place to visit near Scilla is Chianalea: nestled into a narrow strip of land to the east of the headland, it is an ancient fishermen’s settlement with a very peculiar atmosphere. The cramped houses here are built right against the sea, with waves washing up to their walls and with little fishing boats drawn up on tiny slipways. This place is listed as one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy” and it is also named “Venice of Southern Italy”. On top of that, there are also a lot of mountain places to visit in Calabria. Here we give some suggestions.
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- Sila National Park
The Sila National Park, located in Calabria, spans Cosenza, Catanzaro, and Crotone. It features dense forests, rich biodiversity, and is ideal for outdoor activities. The Cupone Visitor Center offers educational trails, a botanical garden, and exhibits on local wildlife, including the Apennine wolf. Visitors can also enjoy a historic narrow-gauge railway ride on the Sila Train, offering stunning views, especially in winter. The park’s lakes, such as Lake Cecita, Arvo, and Ampollino, are perfect for canoeing and fishing. Natural Reserve “Giants of Sila” is a protected natural area that is home to famous “Sila Giants” umbrella pine centenarians of majestic proportions, whose trunks form a perfect natural colonnade. These logs can rise up to 45 meters high and ages typically ranging around 350 years, so as to be often compared in size to North American sequoias. These majestic trees contribute to the park’s mystical atmosphere. The park also hosts diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Visitors can also indulge in Calabria’s rich culinary tradition, with hearty local dishes like local cheese, porcini mushrooms, potatoes and “soppressata” (salami) adding a flavorful touch to the experience. Sila National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers seeking adventure, peace, and breathtaking landscapes.
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- Pollino National Park
Pollino National Park is the largest natural park in Italy. It stretches between the provinces of Potenza, Matera, and Cosenza, between Basilicata and Calabria, and consists of the massifs of Pollino and Orsomarso. The park boasts some of the highest peaks of southern Italy, over two thousand meters high. Its interior offers natural attractions, hiking trails, and more, as well as sites of historic, artistic, and archaeological interest. A vacation in Pollino National Park has plenty to offer to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers, with dedicated trails and paths. Rocks, streams, and mountains allow those who practice mountain climbing, rafting and canyoning to find great locations.
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- Riace Bronzes
The Bronzes of Riace were discovered by Stefano Mariottini, an amateur scuba diver from Rome. They turned out to be one of Italy’s most important archeological finds of the last 100 years. The two sculptures look human and divine at the same time, between reality and myth. These renowned personages are wrapped in mystery, we don’t know anything about their identity, paternity and origins. These works are beautifully made and succeed in awakening deep feelings among bystanders. Some speak of “magnetic force”, “eroticism”, “halo of fear”. They have been exhibited in Florence, then in Rome. Although the statues are cast in bronze, they feature silver lashes and teeth, copper red lips and nipples and eyes made of ivory, limestone, glass and amber paste. Today the statues attract about 130.000 visitors each year and they are on display to the public at the Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria.
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- Byzantine’s Basilica of Stilo
In Stilo it is possible to find an example of Byzantine church architecture that’s one of the most important and best preserved in Italy, certainly unique in Calabria. The building, dating back to the tenth century AC, also known as the Catholic Church of Stilo, is a small structure, a Greek cross inscribed in a square in a typical model “Pentakoubouklon”, developed in Constantinople, later spreading to the rest of the Empire around the tenth century. What makes it very special is that this artifact represents the harmonious interplay of the five cylindrical domes that rise above the roof. The middle one has four mullioned windows, while the remaining domes have only a single window that illuminates the interior of the church, giving it momentum and highlighting spaces. The indoor area is divided into nine identical squares partitioned off by four spolia columns. The interior of the Catholic Church of Stilobearing features frescoes in several layers, which originally covered the entire interior of the church, bearing witness to five historical cycles.
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